THERE is mounting excitement in Teifi Valley rugby circles in anticipation of the biggest game in the area for two decades as Newcastle Emlyn of the Championship prepare to take on Principality Premiership giants Ebbw Vale in round two of the Swalec Cup.

The famous Eugene Cross Park club has been one of the big guns in Welsh rugby for many years and includes among its former stars 67-year-old Paul Ringer who has his roots in Aberporth.

While the Steelmen from Gwent have a colourful history dating back to 1878 their opponents were formed in 1977.

The clubs have met on one previous occasion when Ebbw, led by former Welsh International backrow star Kingsley Jones, triumphed in a Welsh Cup match at Newcastle Emlyn in the mid 1990s.

Ebbw Vale, currently sixth in the Premiership, have won their last four games and are only six points adrift of leaders Llandovery.

Head coach is former Wales and Llanelli centre Nigel Davies who was caretaker coach of the national side before Warren Gatland took over.

The side is led by 34-year-old 6’4” lock Damien Hudd who has represented Wales at rugby league while outside half Dai Langdon is also a class act.

Emlyn set up the plum home tie to be played on Saturday, February 6 and which is likely to attract a bumper crowd to Ddol Wyber, by winning 24-3 at Glynneath.